Santa Clara Back Injury Lawyers CA

What is a Back Injury?

The back is composed of spinal bones, joints of the spine, and discs separating the vertebrae, muscles, and ligaments that hold the spine together.

Common back injuries include sprains and strains, herniated discs, and fractured vertebrae. These injuries are often caused by damage, wear, or trauma to the bones, muscles, or other tissues in the back. The lower back is the most common site of back pain and injury.

Minor injuries may also be caused by a slip and fall or sudden spine twisting.

Severe back injuries can occur from car collisions, motorcycle accidents, falling from heights, blunt hits to the back, or penetrating injuries.

Symptoms of a Back Injury?

The Mayo Clinic shares that a back injury is one of the most common reasons for missed days of work and doctor’s visits. Back pain is considered the world’s leading disability.

Back injury victims can accidentally hyperextend their back or cause pain from usual movements like bending or stretching. However, more severe cases may eventually lead to more serious injuries, including death.

Symptoms of a back injury may include:

• Muscle spasms
• Shooting or stabbing pain in any areas of the back
• Pain radiating down the legs
• Pain aggravated by bending, lifting, standing, or walking
• Swelling
• Stiffness or difficulty in moving

Most Common Causes for a Back Injury?

There are several potential causes of back injuries, but the most common are external trauma. This can occur from a variety of accidents, including:

• Slip and fall accidents – Back injuries are very common in slip and fall accidents. These injuries may occur from herniated discs. Back injuries resulting from this type of accident may lead to extreme pain, numbness, weakness, and more.
• Auto accidents – Due to the sudden impact usually involved in a car accident, it is not uncommon for accident injury victims to sustain a back injury. Some of the most common back injuries linked to a motor vehicle accident may include lumbar fractures, sprains and strains, and herniated discs.
• Sports injuries – Back injuries are extremely common in sporting accidents. Athletes are reminded to warm up properly to avoid potential back injuries.
• Truck accidents – Often considered very traumatic accidents, truck accidents can lead to seriously debilitating injuries that greatly affect a victim’s way of life. Spinal injuries are common in truck accidents. In worst-case scenarios, accident victims may suffer from partial or total paralysis.

Types of Back Injuries

Due to a wide range of factors that may lead to a back injury, several kinds of back injuries may also arise from these incidents. Some of the most common back injuries include:

Spinal Fractures

A spinal fracture is a break in one or more bones of the spine. A common type of spinal fracture is a compression fracture, which is a small crack or fissure around the vertebrae. This can cause little or no pain. However, the pain and discomfort can increase even with breathing or walking. Spinal fractures are treated based on severity, and some may require surgery.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition that is not typically caused by an accident. However, if a person has asymptomatic spinal stenosis, a collision may trigger the onset of symptoms. A spinal injury medical specialist can determine if an accident has exacerbated the effects of spinal stenosis. If so, the accident victim may be able to file a personal injury claim and receive financial compensation for the injury.

Herniated Discs

The discs in the spine act as cushions and are exposed to excessive force during an accident. This can cause the discs to shift and pinch nerves, resulting in pain or numbness. In some cases, surgery may be required to treat a herniated disc. However, non-invasive methods are usually the best way to treat this type of injury.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are serious injuries that can lead to paralysis. They can also cause other medical problems like infections, internal bleeding, blood clots, and spinal fluid leakage. Spinal cord injury recovery can take a long time and may require help from friends and family.

Soft Tissue Damage

Injuries to the muscles and ligaments in the back can occur when a person is involved in a car accident, and their head, spine, chest, and shoulders are suddenly jarred. This can cause the muscles and ligaments to tear or rupture. Such injuries can severely restrict a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. A sprain or strain to the thoracic or lumbar spine is a common example.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition that occurs when the vertebrae shift out of their aligned position, causing compression of the nerves or spinal cord. This can result in pain, numbness, discomfort, fatigue, and difficulty walking. Most cases of spondylolisthesis can be treated with physical therapy or chiropractic adjustments, but some may require surgery.

It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after injuring your back, as actual injuries may not be immediately apparent. This will ensure that you receive proper diagnosis and treatment for your injury.

When Can Your Back Injury Lawyers Pursue Compensation?

Your personal injury attorneys may seek fair compensation if another person’s negligence caused the accident that resulted in your physical injuries. Some types of negligence could be:

• Property owners or managers fail to provide a duty of care
• Distracted drivers
• Substandard medical care
• Failure to recall a defective product
• Unsafe conditions in the workplace

Personal injury victims must keep in mind that insurance adjusters are not on their side. These insurance companies may take advantage of this difficult time and may use our vulnerability to trick you and lower the value of your case.

The experienced Santa Clara back injury lawyers at Farahi Law Firm will fight for your rights by filing a back injury claim and guiding you through the entire process. We are dedicated to recovering the maximum compensation possible from the negligent party.

Compensation Recoverable in a Back Injury Claim

A back injury can cause extreme emotional distress, financial damage, and mounting medical costs for accident victims. These damages can be difficult for accident victims and their families to handle. As the injured person it is within your right to obtain legal representation for your back injury claim. You may be eligible for the following economic and non-economic damages:

• Medical expenses
• Ambulance costs
• Property damages
• Loss of income
• Physical therapy
• Future medical costs
• Pain and suffering
• Diminished earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Temporary/permanent disability
• Long-term medical care
• Other out-of-pocket expenses
• And more

What Can Affect a Back Injury Claim Value?

The amount of compensatory damages you receive for a back injury claim is largely dependent on the severity of your injuries. However, two other factors will likely affect the total amount you receive.

• Failure to mitigate damages: If you injure your back, it is important to take steps to minimize the damage. If you do not, the other person’s insurance company may try to reduce the amount of money they have to pay you.
• Comparative negligence: In California, If you were found to be partially at fault for an accident, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by the percentage you are responsible for due to the Comparative Negligence Law.

Contact Expert Santa Clara Back Injury Lawyers

Have you or a loved one sustained a back injury due to an at-fault party? You must file a back injury claim to recover the compensation benefits you are entitled to. Our personal injury lawyers have years of experience handling back injury claims and will offer accident victims the aggressive representation they deserve. 

We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Not only will we ensure that your rights are protected and handle all your complicated paperwork, but we will also put you in touch with the best medical professionals for your treatment.

Do not hesitate to contact us. We work on a contingency fee basis and offer our clients a No Fee Guarantee. Call us at (408) 715-3296 for a free, no-obligation consultation.